UK plans low-carbon energy cost breaks for industry

(Reuters) - Britain plans to exempt industrial energy users from extra costs arising from its electricity market reform following complaints from industry that the costs would harm their international competitiveness.

Details of the plan have not been decided, a spokesman for the energy ministry said. The government will launch a consultation next year.

"It is important that the UK's energy intensive manufacturing industry remains competitive whilst significant investments are made in the UK's energy infrastructure," said Business Secretary Vince Cable.

Businesses with high energy consumption, such as chemicals, steel or cement producers, said they might have to leave Britain if they faced higher costs due to climate change policy, to move to countries without such costs or which provide subsidies.